Ka Moana - The Ocean

Ahh! There is no greater joy for me than being in, on, or near the ocean. Lucky for me, I was born here in Hawai'i. I grew on on the Island of O'ahu and raised on the Windward side near Kaneohe Bay. My Dad co-owned a 32' cabin cruiser with his best friend. Our families would spend many a weekend on the water, fishing, swimming and taking in the views of K-Bay and the outlying areas. We ate most of the fish caught from that boat. I still love the taste and smell of fresh fish, salt water and the exhaust fumes from boats.

Like a duckling imprinted by the dominant role in its upbringing, the ocean has done the same for me. I have a profound respect and wonderment for nature's ability to quickly change and provide so much activity, sustenance and joy.

Big boat ownership, like Dad's would be a dream, but require a lot of maintenance (that's another story) for my lifestyle. I opted for a boat that is relatively low maintenance, provides physical exercise and "plenty" of enjoyment... a canoe. Yes and I am very happy with my choice.

A hui hou!
Patty

Maui Meadows-South Maui Home Sales

Recently I was asked me about sales activity in Maui Meadows. "Is anything selling in our neighborhood?" In reviewing the stats, compared to the start of the year, sales definitely showed signs of improvement this summer. To follow up my previous postings of sales activity by neighborhood/area, here is the year-to-date sales for Maui Meadows.

Maui Meadows Residential Sales Year to Date:
January - 0
February -1
March - 0
April - 0
May - 0
June - 1
July - 2

Maui Meadows: 4 sales
Average Days on Market: 360
Median List Price: $1,020,000
Median Sale Price: $837,500
Highest Sale: $1,320,000
Lowest Sale: $675,000

Most of the subdivisions in South Maui are zoned residential and lot sizes range from 7,500 to 10,000 square feet. Maui Meadows is a rarity in the South Maui area. Perched above the Pi'ilani Highway and entrance to Wailea Resort, each of the 400 home sites within the subdivision is a half acre in size minimum or 21,780 sf. For today's standards, this is very generous. The rural half-acre zoning allows a full size house and a 700 sf cottage. Maui Meadows was developed in the mid 1960's prior to strict covenants. As a result, today you will find modest older homes aside new and sizable homes.

If you have questions about the Maui real estate market, please feel free to contact me directly at: 808.280.2625, or via email.

Paia and Kuau Growth?

The surrounding areas of Paia Town and Kuau may have received a nod by the Maui Planning Commission for future expansion. Given the desire of many Mauians to reside within walking distance of Paia, the Commission in consideration of "Smart Growth" development, approved future residential expansion of surrounding acreage currently planted in sugar cane. The areas slated are approximately 46 acres mauka of the Kuau Bay View neighborhood and another 50 acres above of Paia Town on the west side of Baldwin Avenue. More details are available in the Maui News. Keep in mind this is a revision of the Community Plan for future growth. Given current economic conditions and the downturn in the Maui real estate market, realistically it may be many years before any of this is actuated.

Makena, Maui - Makena Resort in Foreclosure

Makena, South Maui - Wells Fargo has submitted foreclosure proceedings in circuit court for Makena Resort. Maui developer, Everett Dowling and Morgan Stanley purchased the 1,800 acres in 2007 from the failing Seibu Corp. for $575 million. The partnership of Dowling and Morgan Stanley owes $192.5 million in principal, interest and penalties. This will slow development of the Makena area considerably. Dowling is moving forward on his 20 acre oceanfront development called Maluaka, which is owned and financed separately. In the interim, the Makena Prince Hotel and Makena Golf Course are continuing to operate.
For more details see articles in the Maui News and Pacific Business News.

Upcountry Maui - Makawao Land For Sale

Makawao-Haliimaile - A&B Properties, Inc. has decided to sell it's Grove Ranch subdivision. The 55.6 acres consists of two parcels and borders the junction of Hali'imaile Road and Makawao Avenue. Grove Ranch received preliminary subdivision approval for 9 parcels in 2005 from the County of Maui. The road infrastructure is complete and A&B expected to obtain water meters and final approval in 2006. This property is neatly located within 3 miles from Makawao Town, about 5 miles from Paia Town and less than 10 miles from Kahului. It is also just a short stroll to either Maui Montessori School and the Hui Noe'au Art Center.

The property is on the water meter priority list for additional meters. For the savvy and financially strong investor, this could be an exceptional long term investment. What better location to raise a family, have a farm, horses and provide an valuable inheritance.

List Price: $2,800,000
MLS: 339159 Makawao

This property is listed by Michael Spalding Realty Inc. and Hugh Starr & Co Inc.
Patricia P Chaney R(B) may represent you as Buyer's Representative.

Maui Luxury Home Sales - Kula

Upcountry Kula at it's Best!

Omaopi'o Ridge

Our Island Sotheby's International Realty Upcountry office has this beautiful home listed in Lower Kula. I personally think this property is an exceptional value. Situated on 8.6 acres, the entry welcomes guests with a handcrafted Moon Gate that opens into the warm and inviting courtyard and enters into a 5,000 square foot, 4 bedroom, 4.5 bath home. The attached 2-story carriage house garage includes a fitness center, the 4th bedroom with a full bath and room for 3 cars.

The contemporary, open floor plan showcases the rich Australian Eucalyptus floors and custom African Mahogany woodwork exemplifying the fine craftsmanship throughout this extraordinary home.

MLS: 334724 Kula - View more details and photos.

Offered for sale at: $2,599,000

This home is listed with Island Sotheby's International Realty
Patricia Chaney may represent you as a Buyer's agent.

If you would like more information on this beautiful Kula home for sale, or Upcountry Maui real estate for sale, please send me an INQUIRY, or call me direct at: 808.280.2625.

Lower Kula Home for Sale

Kula Kai
Another home has just been listed in the wonderful Kula Kai neighborhood. 23 Makai Place is a very comfortable family home consisting of 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths upstairs. Downstairs is a 1 bedroom, 1 bath ohana, which is ideal for guests. Located on a low density cul-de-sac, the home is nicely hidden from the street for added privacy.
I remember helping the original owners list and sell this home in 2003! This home is currently listed at: $849,000

MLS: 339140 Kula - View for more details and photos.

This home is listed with Wailea Realty
Patricia Chaney may represent you as a Buyer's agent.
If you would like more information on Kula real estate for sale, or Upcountry Maui real estate for sale, please send me an INQUIRY, or call me direct at: 808.280.2625.
Aloha! Patty

Upcountry Maui - Kula Home For Sale

Kula Upcountry Home - Just Listed

Our Upcountry - Island Sotheby's International Realty office just listed this classic 1930's plantation home in Upper Kula. Lovingly restored, the interior of this charming home consists of 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths and 2,345 square feet of living space. Situated on 1.4 acres of landscaped gardens and lawn the property, this home is offered for sale at: $939,000

800 Kekaulike Road, Kula, Maui, Hawai'i 96790
MLS: 339091 Kula - View more photos and details.

This property is listed with island Sotheby's International Realty
Patricia Chaney may represent you as a buyer's agent.

If you would like more information on Kula homes for sale or Upcountry Maui real estate, please send me an INQUIRY or call me direct at: 808.280.2625.
Aloha! Patty

Maui Homes for Sale - Viewing Tips for Buyers

Here in Hawai'i viewing homes listed on the market is very different from viewing homes on the mainland. In Hawai'i, more specifically when viewing homes for sale on Maui, it is customary for the Seller's Realtor® to be present. Having their agent available during showings provides the Seller with a sense of security in knowing that their possessions are being watched, the house is properly locked up and the lights are turned off when the showing is finished. It is also valuable for the Seller's Realtor® to be on hand to share the details about the home and answer any questions the Buyer may have about the property and surrounding area.

Keep in mind that this custom involves your Maui Realtor® calling a day or two in advance and setting up appointments with several listing agents. Several showings means scheduling back-to-back appointments and keeping on schedule, as there will most likely be another Seller's Realtor® waiting for you down the road.

Typically, the only time homes on Maui are on a lock box is when the house is vacant. When selling your home, it's important to work with a seasoned Realtor® and to ask how the showings on your home will be handled.

Kula - Sunday Aug. 23, 2009 - Open House

REMINDER!
2:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Come see 347 Holopuni Road, Kula. Located in the desirable neighborhood of Kula Glen, this 4 bedroom, 3 bath home is situated on 2 acres of land and has wonderful down country, West Maui and Haleakala views.

This home is listed for sale at $950,000
MLS:338720
Stop by and say hello!

I will have on hand information about other Kula and Upcountry Maui homes for sale.

Spreckelsville Landmark - Maui Country Club

For North Shore golf enthusiasts, Maui Country Club plays a vital role in the social landscape and ambiance of Paia/Spreckelville. Leaving Paia Town and heading northwest towards Kahului on the Hana Highway, there is a stretch of road along the makai-towards to sea side of the highway that runs parallel to the greens of this private course. Built in the 1920's by Maui's elite businessmen and plantation bosses, it is Maui's oldest golf course. In the 30s and 40s, it drew all the golfing movie stars and celebrities including Bob Hope and Bing Crosby. Today, Maui Country Club is an egalitarian facility providing an important social network for many kama’aina and new residents. The landmark and attitude is relatively casual and provides a "sense of place" of Old Hawai'i. The club offers more than golf. There are four tennis courts, a pool, restaurant, meeting hall, lockers and shower facilities. Located next to Baldwin Beach, it's a great place to take in a morning run along the beach, have a quick swim followed by an early lunch. For membership information call: 808-877-7893.

There are a number of exceptional homes for sale in the Spreckelville-Paia area currently on the market surrounding Maui Country Club. If you would like information on any of these properties, or information about North Shore Maui real estate, please contact me at: 808-280-2625, or send me an email inquiry.

Wailea - Residential Sales

Just as the rest of Maui real estate sales have taken a hit, Wailea-real-estate failed to receive immunity. The number of sales and pricing have both suffered this year. For a seven month period, there have been 8 homes sold in Wailea. Note ... that there is quite a spread between from the low sale of $899,000, to the high sale of $2,650,000. The price point is range is about a 300% spread. Seller motivation possibly a determining factor.

The discount between the original list price to sale price was a whopping 25%. Of all the sales recorded for Wailea home sales, only one buyer claimed their purchase as their principal residence. The remaining buyers were from Canada(2) and the States: Wash(1), Alaska(1) and Colo(2) and Penn(1). Typically, the Wailea/Makena is a resort real estate market, fairing better in sales during the winter months, from January though mid-May. Now that the economy according to Ben Bernanke is beginning to stabilize, I am hopeful that sales, more than pricing will improve for Wailea this winter. Let's keep our toes and fingers crossed.

Wailea - Residential Sales Activity
January - 0
February - 1
March - 1
April - 0
May - 3
June - 2
July - 1

Wailea Statistics: 8 sales
Average Days on market: 237
Median List Price: $1,674,500
Median Sale Price: $1,467,500
Highest Sale: $2,650,000
Lowest Sale: $899,000

If you would like more details for are interested in obtaining more information about Wailea homes for sale please contact me or call me direct at: 808.280.2625

Kula Kai - Just Listed

Kula Kai is a well established neighborhood located in Lower Kula in Upcountry Maui. The subdivision was developed back in the early 1970's. Many of the homes within this area are about 20-35 years old.

This neighborhood is highly sought after and desirable to Upcountry dwellers for several reasons:

• Many of the homes have spectacular down-country views.
• Because of its location, the neighborhood doesn't have a great turn over in ownership.
• The majority of the homes are owner-occupied.
• The neighborhood shows pride of ownership.
  
• The climate is very pleasant and moderate, year round.
• It is well established with mature trees providing privacy and character to the surrounding neighborhood.
  
• It is a great walking neighborhood and a terrific area for raising a family.
• Some of Maui's finest schools, public and private are less than 15 minutes away.
  
• It is a 20-30 minute drive to Kahului and just a 5 minute drive to the new Kulamalu Town Center and everyone's favorite store, Long's Drugs.
  

The home pictured here, located at 100 Mano Drive in Kula Kai was just listed at $795,000
MLS: 339077

This property is listed with Gary Deardorf Realty & Dev. Co.
Patricia Chaney may represent you as a buyer's agent.

If you'd like to schedule viewing of this home or other Kula homes for sale, please call me by phone: 808.280.2625 or contact me via email.

Kula - Sunday Open House

MLS:338720 Kula

2:00 to 5:00 p.m.

This Sunday, August 23rd, I will be hosting an open house at 347 Holopuni Road, Kula. Located in the desirable neighborhood of Kula Glen, this 4 bedroom, 3 bath home is situated on 2 acres of land and has wonderful down country, West Maui and Haleakala views.

The kitchen and bathrooms have been recently renovated within this multi-level home. In addition are four decks providing a great sense of indoor- outdoor living and a wood-burning stove for those cool evenings. I will have on hand information about other Kula and Upcountry Maui homes for sale.

This home is listed for sale at $950,000
MLS:338720
Stop by and say hello!

Kula Land - Just Listed!

106 Ainakula Road, Kula - MLS: 338965 - I just listed this lovely half acre parcel of vacant land in Kula. From the level prime building site, Kahakuloa Point and a portion of the northern Maui coastline are nicely framed in view. All utilities are underground and a 5/8" water meter is included. There are covenants to protect the quality of the homes. This parcel is listed for $369,000.


If a half acre isn't roomy enough..........

MLS:338067 7850 Kula Highway is an exceptional value. This rare 2 acre parcel is located in a setting and climate revered by Maui farmers. Keokea-Kula offers the finest weather for Upcountry living. The views are phenomenal and include the West Maui Mountains and the north and southern coastlines of Central Maui. The land is graded and has been maintained with care. The perimeter has been planted with an assortment of fruit trees and protea. County water and underground utilities have been brought to the site. $799,000

This property is listed with Island Sotheby's International Realty (M).
Patricia Chaney may represent you as a buyer's agent.

If you would like details on either of these parcels of vacant land, or information about Upcountry Maui real estate, or Kula properties for sale, feel free to call me at 808.280.2625 or via email at: patty@pattychaney.com

Maui Ocean Front Home Sales

Ocean front property on an island is limited by the coastal area and access. Beach front property is limited further. Beach front property with soft, golden sand, on a protected tranquil coast accessible for swimming, snorkeling, or simply relaxing is the pinnacle. It is available, but very expensive. It all boils down to the basic law of supply and demand.

Maui's ocean front home sales are as diverse as the micro-climates on this island. Take a look at what has sold since January 1, 2009:

Maui Ocean Front Homes - Sales Activity
January - 1
February - 1
March - 0
April - 0
May - 1
June - 2
July - 1

To no surprise the highest sales occurred along the South Maui - Wailea and Makena coastline. Here the beaches are laced with golden white soft sand and a protected coastline of tranquil azure blue intoxicating seas. The north shore coast is appealing to the active ocean enthusiasts, but the audience is generally more limited. As much as I, or other ocean enthusiasts love the north shore, the dream, the imagery and allure of island beach front and ocean front homes is more directed or desired to what exists along the southern coastline of Maui.

Should you have an interest in Maui ocean front homes, I'd be happy to help. You can either contact me by phone: 808.280.2625 or send me an email at: patty@pattychaney.com

Residential Sales - Pukalani

As Maui's population grew, so did the outlying communities searching for more desirable places to live. In 1970, Pukalani real estate began its trek into modern Hawai'i. The community known as Pukalani Terrace was developed touting a community golf course, an adjoining restaurant and lounge, a large shopping center and the sprawl of single family homes.

Vacant parcels of land ranging from 7,500 to 21,790 sq.ft. were sold mostly to residents, but also to large number of newcomers. Many of the lots are located along the golf course and quite a few have spectacular views of the West Maui Mountains. Purchasers were seeking a more modern Maui and a cooler climate for island living. Today, Pukalani is the heart of commerical Upcountry. A community pool and the Hanibal Tavares Community Center was added in the mid-90's.

Located just 15 to 20 minutes from Kahului, with its trade winds and cool dry climate, Pukalani is the ideal location for a number of Mauians.

Pukalani - Residential Sales Activity
January - 0
February - 0
March - 3
April - 7
May - 4
June - 4
July - 4

Residential Condos - The Cottages at Kulamalu: 4
Pukalani Statistics: 22 sales, 26 including The Cottages
Average Days on market: 202
Median List Price: $516,394
Median Sale Price: $512,000
Highest Sale: $2,000,000
Lowest Sale: $355,000


The 2 acre subdivision known as Kula 200 lies within the Pukalani district. Many residents and even Realtors, mistaken Kula 200 as part of Kula because of its name. It is located approximately 3 miles mauka-towards the mountain, from the commercial hub of Pukalani. There are two sales within this neighborhood that skewed the averages for Pukalani. 251 Aulii Place was on the market for some time. This is also the high sale for the entire Upcountry and North Shore this year. 64 Alokele Place was a property that was residential condominium. The sellers retained interest in the cottage and about a 1/2 acre of the land and sold the main house with the other 1.5 acres. The third property to spike Pukalani sales was 27 Ohia Lehua Place, a lovely home built by a contractor for his principal residence. When another larger parcel within the same gated neighborhood became available, he purchased it to build his principal residence. This home is situated in a new gated subdivision consisting of 12 lots called Kulamalu Hilltop and is located directly above Kamehameha Schools in Pukalani.

Without these sales the median price for the Pukalani Terrace Community would be approximately $490,000.

If have an interest or questions about Pukalani real estate or Upcountry Maui real estate, I would love to assist you, please feel free to contact me by phone: 808-280-2625 or by email at: patty@pattychaney.com.

Next: Maui ocean front homes

View previous statistics on these areas:
Haiku
Kula
Paia/Spreckelsville/Kuau
Makawao

Oama Fishing - Spreckelsville

Saturday morning I took myself and my dogs for a walk on the beach on the North Shore of Maui, near Stable Road, which is just outside of Spreckelsville and Paia. Standing knee deep at the shoreline were groups of anglers fishing for Oama. Oama are juvenile Weke, or Goatfish. The juveniles are under seven inches in length and are caught in late summer and early fall.

The fish are either caught and eaten, or used as bait to catch larger fish, such as Papio, young jackfish or Ulua. Papio come near the shore at this time of year to feed on the Oama. On the other hand, many prefer to eat the juveniles. The young fish are descaled, the entrails removed and eaten salted and raw, or lightly battered and cooked.

The fishing task looked fairly easy. The anglers dip their weighted lines to the bottom and simply wait for the fish to tug on the line. When that happens, they gently pull them up and drop them into their buckets. Goatfish or Oama are bottom feeders. As one guy explained, "Sometimes dey nevah even bite da line, you just feel 'em foraging and hook 'em undah da mout". I counted one man catching 5 fish in about ten minutes.

It was an entertaining morning chatting with some of the folks and to watch and hear them squeal when they caught the little fish. For many participants it was a family affair and seemed like a pleasantly wholesome way to spend a morning at the beach.

Hope you had a great weekend too.
Aloha!

Residential Sales - Makawao

The Makawao district is comprised of the surrounding neighborhoods of Makawao, Olinda and Hali'imaile. The heart of the district is Makawao Town. The area is rich with an agregarian history. Makawao Town became known as the cattle ranching center and a cowboy (paniolo) town. Much of surrounding land was owned by the Baldwin missionary family with a legacy deep in sugar cane, pineapple cultivation and cattle ranching. Today, Haleakala Ranch consists of approximately 30,000 acres.

About two miles above Makawao (mauka-towards the mountains) is Olinda with pastoral settings, magnificent down country views, eucalyptus trees and the exceptional prep school known as Seabury Hall.

Approximately three and a half miles below Makawao (makai-towards the sea) is a neighborhood known as Hali'imaile. Once a plantation camp built and owned by Maui Land & Pineapple (ML&P), Hali'imaile today is filled with charming, yet modest plantation homes, an abundance of fruit trees, ML&P's fresh fruit canning operation and the renowned restaurant owned by Joe and Bev Gannon known as Hali'imaile General Store.


Makawao, Olinda, Hali'imaile - Residential Sales Activity
January - 0
February - 2
March - 2
April - 0
May - 3
June - 4
July - 4

Makawao Statistics: 15 sales
Average Days on market: 226
Median List Price: $479,000
Median Sale Price: $439,000
Highest Sale: $589,000
Lowest Sale: $190,000

All of the sales for the past seven months transpired in the Makawao area. None were posted for Olinda and Hali'imaile. With the exception of Olinda, with homes situated on larger acreage or residential estates, most of the Makawao area is a working class neighborhood filled with charm and reminders of Maui's past. If you are interested in Makawao real estate or Upcountry Maui real estate, I would love to assist you, please feel free to contact me by phone: 808-280-2625 or by email at: patty@pattychaney.com.

Next: Pukalani real estate home sales

View statistics on these areas:
Haiku Home Sales
Kula Home Sales
Paia/Spreckelsville/Kuau Home Sales

Maui Real Estate Statistics - July 2009

I've been so busy breaking out sales data by area that I haven't posted the Maui real estate sales data for the month of July compiled by RAM - Realtor's Association of Maui. Rather than regurgitate the data and comments, I will pass and let you read the full report.

Statistics for July 2009.

Residential Sales - Paia, Spreckelsville, Kuau

Real estate in the community comprising of Paia, Spreckelsville and Kuau escalated in value in the 80's following the birth of windsurfing with nearby Kanaha and Ho'okipa Beach Parks. Today, Paia is a blend of kama'aina-old timers from the plantation days and malahini-newcomers from all over the world. A small but bustling community, stroll the junction of Baldwin Avenue and Hana Hwy on any given day or evening and its sidewalks are active with a blend of tourists and residents. Paia is great for people watching. I find it refreshing, colorful and authentic.

Paia, Spreckelsville, Kuau - Residential Sales Activity
January - 2
February - 0
March - 3
April - 0
May - 1
June - 2
July - 0

Statistics: 6 sales
Average Days on market: 91
Median List Price: $499,499
Median Sale Price: $489,499
Highest Sale: $1,850,000
Lowest Sale: $380,000

With the exception of an oceanfront home in Kuau selling for $1,850,000, sales around Maui's windsurfing mecca have been rather slim this year. The remaining homes that have sold are within the heart of Paia Town. Most are modest, plantation homes at an average selling price of $466,000. Bear in mind that this entire coastal area is just a 5 mile stretch of land.

Paia real estate activity behaves much like other resort coastal communities on Maui. Activity seems to improve during high visitor season. A large sector of the market is second home buyers. Rather as golf as their past-time activity, these buyers tend to be ocean enthusiasts interested in kite, wind and board surfing.

Next: Makawao Residential Sales

View previous statistics on these areas:
Haiku Real Estate
Kula Real Estate

Residential Sales - Kula Maui Real Estate

I started posting this data yesterday and started with Haiku residential real estate sales. Today I am focusing on the home sales in the Kula-Ulupalakua-Kanaio area.

The district of Kula is sought after by many for its idyllic temperate weather patterns, open, rural landscape and gorgeous down country, multi-island views. The calm weather, cloud patterns and rich soil provide the Kula area as an ideal location for farming corn, strawberries, onions, leafy greens and other crops.

Kula Residential Sales:
January - 1
February -1
March - 0
April - 2
May - 1
June - 3
July -5

Kula Statistics: 13 sales
Average Days on market: 171
Median List Price: $749,000
Median Sale Price: $749,000
Highest Sale: $1,132,500
Lowest Sale: $385,000

Residential home sales in the Kula real estate market tend to be a bit less seasonal than the North shore Haiku area. Typically though, buyers with children tend to relocate over the summer so that they may register their kids in the area school district prior to the start of the school year. As such, there is always a surge of activity in early spring and summer. It does appear that the number of sales are improving.

Residential sales throughout the Maui real estate market wanes starting just around Thanksgiving and continues to remain soft through the first of the New Year. After the seasonal winter holiday celebrations have subsided and normal living patterns return, buyers tend to get serious about real estate shopping in late January. Sales transaction will typically take 30 to 60 days to close. Thus if a contract is agreed upon in early February, the sale is typically recorded in late March or April. If you have any comments or questions, contact me.

Next: Paia-Spreckelsville-Kuau residential real estate sales.

Felicia Rains

Wow, it is humid, foggy and raining this morning in Upcountry Maui. The dampness in the air is intense. Last night I opened the windows and turned the ceiling fans on to get some air circulation. Felicia has subsided but is leaving Maui with a very wet kiss. Residents along the leeward side of the island - Kihei, Wailea, Makena and Kula, will no longer be disappointed as it is raining in their area as well. For more details, go to Maui Weather Today.
It's a great day for shorts and umbrellas.

Residential Sales - Haiku Maui Real Estate

It's interesting that the public can view all the active listings on the market, but once a property is solidly under-contract, the listing data is no longer visible to website search engines. To provide you with more "transparency," I will be providing a run down of residential sales by area since the beginning of '09 and work my way forward until July. This will take time to process but eventually, I will apprise you with monthly statistics, by area in a single update. For the time being, I will deliver this data in a number of correspondences.

Haiku Home Sales:
January - 0
February - 1
March - 3
April - 2
May - 2
June - 2
July - 7

Haiku Statistics: 17 sales
Average Days on market: 181
Median List Price: $679,900
Median Sale Price: $650,000
Highest Sale: $1,750,000
Lowest Sale: $165,000

Residential home sales in the Haiku real estate market tend to be seasonal. For starts, weather is typically warmer and dryer in the summer months. In addition, buyers with children tend to close on their purchase and relocate over the summer so that they may register their keiki-children in the area school district prior to the start of the school year.

During the winter months, once the holidays are behind, buyers tend to get serious about real estate shopping in mid-January. If a contract is agreed upon, the sales transaction will typically take 30 to 60 days to close. Thus sales are typically recorded in late February, March or April.

My goal is to keep my readers and prospective buyers and sellers educated, or informed on the Maui real estate market activity that sparks their interest. I hope you will find this data interesting.

Next: Kula home sales.

Felicia Brings Needed Rain

Thankfully, Felicia waned. For great weather information go to Glen James' Maui Weather Today for the most up to date narrative and satellite pictures.

We did have a terrific downpour last night. It was muggy and without much wind in Upcountry Maui. At 9 am. this morning it is still raining! I always welcome a summer rain to wash away the dust, green up my parched lawn and replenish our local water reservoirs.

Speaking of lush, I've got a great home for sale in Haiku filled with native plants and fruit trees. 1791 Kalia Way located in Haiku Country Estates is situated on two private acres with a 4 bedroom, 2 bath home of 2,147 sq.ft This comfortable home is listed at $899,000. The home next door in the same neighborhood recently closed at $888,000.

If you would like more information on this home or other Haiku homes for sale, please contact me.

Update 3:30 p.m. in Makawao. Whoa! We are getting heavy rain now. Winds are steady and rather light and it is wet, wet, wet! Just what we needed this summer and good washing! I heard Kihei and Kula received just a sprinkling from residents living in those areas. They felt a bit disappointed as these are the drier areas of Maui and were hoping for a good downpour.

Felicia - Hurricane/Storm/Depression

Upcountry Maui, Makawao - Monday August 10th. Hurricane Felicia has been downgraded to a tropical storm, or a tropical depression. How depressed will she be? Tonight, she will arrive while we're sleeping in our beds and let us know. If she's fierce, she will wake us.

My assumption last Friday was that this storm would wane into a depression as NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) predicted. But hurricanes can be unpredictable. So on Saturday in preparation, I visited Mountain Slope Water and refreshed my storage of a number of 3 gallon water bottles I have that were unused, dated August – 2007. I refilled these prior to the last hurricane threat. Hummm, is August the new month of looming hurricanes on Maui? Iniki struck Hawai’i in September 1992 and Hurricane Iwa in November 1982. Hurricane season in Hawai’i starts in June and lasts through November every year. Perhaps with global warming we are in for earlier seasonal threats.

Regardless of what the weather is like when I wake up in the a.m., I am thankful Felicia is downgraded and am ready for a summer rain storm. My gas tanks are full. My lanai potted plants are in my garage, I have plenty of canned and dry food in the house, candles, batteries and propane available. Hopefully all of my preparation will sit peacefully, undisturbed in my closets, drawers and garage and collect dust for another two years or longer. In addition, it will be nice to have a summer downpour. My grass will also be pleased.

50 Years of Statehood!

On August 21, 1959, United States President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a proclamation admitting Hawaii into the Union of the United States. Much has changed in the islands over the last 50 years! The actual history of how Hawai'i became a State is a much longer story. Information can be found at The National Archives website.

View vintage photos, history, stories and events commemorating Hawaii's Golden Anniversary at: http://www.statehood.hawaii.gov/

The 50th Anniversary of Statehood Commission's official Maui County event will be held on Saturday, August 8th from 4 to 6 p.m. on the A&B Amphitheater Lawn at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center. Enjoy 50 cents hot dogs, shave ice, beverages, games, community booths, bouncy castles and a walk down memory lane plus a rockin' performance by Jimmy Mac and the Kool Kats. There will be a community banner to sign and share your personal mana`o (thoughts/ideas) about 50 years of statehood for Hawai`i.

A concert by rock group America will follow.
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There has never been a better time to purchase a home on Maui than now. Begin your MLS search for Maui Real Estate.